Packaging of oil palm seedlets/seedlings for air freighting

Abstract

The mode of exporting oil palm planting materials from one country to another is by air and only sprouted seeds have been so transported. This method ensures that the seeds get to their destinations in good time and in healthy condition. Presently, there are indications that other forms of planting materials viz: seedlets and transplantable seedlings may be required for airfreighting. Oil palm seedlets of 4 - 5 leaf stage and nine month old seedlings with roots dipped in 0.2% Dithane M 45 solution to prevent fungal attack were used for this study. The roots of the seedlets and seedlings were given different treatment viz: dipping in clay slurry, planting in reduced soil, sawdust and with naked roots. The seedlets and seedlings were packaged in particle foam crates and stored at 18°C for 14 days. They were then transplanted into nursery polybags, filled, and scored for survival and growth. It was concluded from the study that it would be more feasible and cost effective to engage in the air transportation of preheated seeds, sprouted seeds or seedlets than planting materials in form of transplantable seedlings.

Keywords: oil palm, seedlets, seedlings, freighting

Journal of Agriculture, Forestry and the Social Sciences Vol 3(1) 2005: 146-150